Lakers Rookie Bronny James to Get First Career Start in Game vs Blazers

Los Angeles Lakers rookie guard Bronny James will make his first career NBA start on Sunday in their matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Athletic's Jovan Buha shared the starting lineup via X.

Lakers' starters vs. Portland:
Bronny James Jr.
Shake Milton
Dalton Knecht
Markieff Morris
Alex Len
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) April 13, 2025

James will start for the first time and play in his 27th NBA game.

The Lakers will not start their conventional starting five. Since the Lakers clinched the No. 3 seed on Friday and essentially have nothing to play for until next week, L.A. will trout out Dalton Knecht, Markieff Morris, Alex Len, and Shake Milton alongside James.

James has established himself as a fan favorite with the team, and much of it is due to his journey to the NBA and his father, LeBron James.

Nonetheless, Bronny has developed just fine as he's shuffled his time between the NBA and the G League. It is clear that he has grown his game since October, and it has been a treat to witness for the Lakers and their fans.

In the season, Bronny is averaging 2.2 points per game, 0.6 rebounds, 0.6 assists, and 0.2 steals while shooting 33.3 percent from the field and 30 percent from three in 5.5 minutes of action.

The last time Bronny got an extensive run was March 20 in the contest against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Lakers were depleted that match, which led to Bronny playing a pivotal role in that game.

Although the Lakers were blown out in that contest, Bronny performed stellar, recording 17 points on an efficient 7-fo-10 shooting from the field, three rebounds, five assists, and one block in 30 minutes of action.

Since that game, Bronny has played in four games, totaling just 15 minutes and eight points.

The Lakers selected the 20-year-old with the No. 55 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft out of USC. The pick was initially not popular with the general public, as it was seen more as a pick to please LeBron.

By no surprise, James did not look great out of the gate. However, as he's gotten time in the G League to improve his game, he's had some stellar games.

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